Is airplane mode a necessary annoyance or an aviation myth? We explain the science behind it and why you should (still) use it on your cell phone. What is the aircraft mode? Airplane mode (sometimes known as “flight mode”) is a smartphone setting that temporarily disables signals and Wi-Fi while the rest of the device continues to function normally.
What happens when you put your phone into airplane mode? Your phone stops receiving radio signals that allow you to send or receive text messages or phone calls, view online pages or web-based email services like Gmail, and download data. However, previously downloaded text messages and other stored content, such as papers, games, music, or videos, may be available.
Why do we have to do this?Your cellphone is a powerful little device. It emits radio waves and electromagnetic interference (EMI), which may interfere with an aircraft’s communication systems. Nobody wants an airplane that can’t communicate with air traffic control at their target airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also established that cellular transmissions from flights may overwhelm cell towers below, disrupting service.
After all, millions of people fly every day, thus that would result in a lot of tower congestion. Whatever the reason, and regardless of how you feel about it, it’s a good idea to obey your flight attendant’s instructions and switch to airplane mode while in the air. Six years ago, the FAA judged that existing limits on cell phones and cellular equipment were too stringent. So they began allowing passengers to use WiFi and Bluetooth during flights.
If your plane has WiFi, feel free to connect to the internet and surf. Additionally, you can utilize your Bluetooth headphones. Once in airplane mode, simply switch WiFi back on manually (using the same dock menu you saw above). Additional benefits of airplane mode include faster charging and longer battery life. When your phone is in airplane mode, it does not constantly search for a wireless network or signal. So your battery will last much longer.
If you have a long day and have forgotten your battery pack, turn on airplane mode. You’ll get more done, have some piece of mind, and your phone will still be charged when you need it to find that great new restaurant (or whatever) you’ve been wanting to try. Bonus: When you use airplane mode, your phone will charge faster (for the same reasons explained above: it is not attempting to do too much and can focus on charging). So, if you don’t have a new fast-charging device, this will come in handy.
Airplane mode might also be handy for children. If you give your child your phone or tablet (for very restricted screentime, right?), you don’t want them to mistakenly call your boss or buy your entire Amazon wishlist. So just turn on airplane mode. They will be able to continue to play games, snap photos, and so on. They simply won’t be able to get into as much trouble.
Do some work. If you need to concentrate and complete some serious work, turn on airplane mode. What a relief! No more irritating pop-ups, notifications, or noises from your device. You can set a time restriction for yourself (there is no need to leave airplane mode enabled all day). What happens if your SO has to ask you what you want for dinner? Alternatively, your child should contact you. Try a couple of hours and see how much you can get done.
– Disconnect and have a rest. Finally, there are times when you just want to disconnect from your phone or tablet and stop receiving notifications. Good for you; do it. Airplane mode allows you to disconnect from your device while keeping it powered on (for example, as an alarm clock). Or take some shots while vacation. So click that little airplane and leave your worries behind for a while.